Community: CLOWNS More Than Just a Playbus
by Alison Mothersdale
Years back, when I was a young mother, I was entertaining some friends with their children after school. We started to discuss what our ambitions had been when we were young. A shocked, stunned silence followed my contribution: “I wanted to grow up, marry and have a family.” Some would say I have achieved two out of the three wishes, the last two! Family life has always been a priority for me so I was delighted to be asked to write about C.L.O.W.N.S. – Creating Learning Opportunities in WesterN Somerset.
I was to meet Co-ordinator, Kathy Morton, and Chairman, Jan Ross, at their premises at the College at Alcombe but, on the designated morning, Jan rang to say “Come and see us on our double-decker bus at Minehead.” This was an eye-opener. We met to chat on the top deck and I was amazed at its size and height. Like many Exmoor residents, I’d frequently seen the bus on my travels and thought it must be the main part of this amazing project but I soon realised otherwise as Kathy and Jan cried in unison: “We’re not just a playbus!”
C.L.O.W.N.S. was launched in 1995 evolving from three organisations, the Jubilee Bus, West Somerset Toy Library and West Somerset Play Association which now came together to form C.L.O.W.N.S. The mission statement gives some idea of their focus: “To improve the quality of life for families in West Somerset by providing quality, accessible, mobile support to those living in isolated circumstances and by delivering opportunities to 0-13-year-olds, encouraging families to learn, thrive, have fun and be happy.” These inspirational words are put into action in a variety of ways by the caring, committed staff backed by the trustees who form the Management Committee.
The Outreach Van visits families with children under five in isolated/rural areas to offer support and a friendly listening ear in hourly sessions which can continue for six weeks or more. The van has a small play area and a space for parents/carers to sit, relax and chat. Other services are able to access the van according to need. Any problem, large or small, will be addressed sensitively and professionally. Funding for this van originally came from Sure Start-West Somerset, but now it is funded through the County Council in partnership with Barnardo’s.
The Toy Library, both a static and a mobile facility, offers a large selection of safe toys for hire ranging from 30p to £1 a toy per fortnight. The service is open to parents and carers of children up to 8, childminders, pre-schools, parent and toddler groups, schools and nurseries. This library is Somerset’s first to pass the Quality Assurance Scheme run by Play Matters, the National Association of Toy & Leisure Libraries. “This was only achieved by a huge amount of work,” commented Kathy.
The familiar Playbus makes weekly visits to Carhampton, Allerford, Dunster, Cuckoo Meadow, Timberscombe, Wheddon Cross and Roadwater/Washford and offers affordable, quality recreational and educational opportunities for families. The weekly themed activities have aims that meet ‘Every Child Matters’ framework and outcomes from Early Years Foundation Stage goals. Information is also carried on the bus about services which can support families and C.L.O.W.N.S. also works in partnership with other agencies and organisations who need rural community access. Sessions are regularly monitored and evaluated so the quality of service is maintained to a high standard. Parents and carers are able to chat while the children play in a safe and stimulating environment.
Physical activity sessions have been provided through Tumbling Toddlers for pre-school children to help develop physical skills and encourage healthy lifestyles in safe, fun ways in children’s centres, nurseries, parent and toddler groups, and village halls. These sessions have, since 2008, developed into Physical Family Fun funded by the Lottery. Families with children under school age can enjoy activities together and learn about healthy living. A different structured theme is introduced fortnightly and encourages families to be active, to play and learn together. Each week sessions are held at Brompton Regis, Minehead, Washford, Brushford, Williton, Timberscombe, Nether Stowey, Crowcombe, Alcombe, Porlock and Stogursey and there is a charge of £2 for the first child per session, then £1 for the second and other children in a family.
Holiday Playschemes have been provided since C.L.O.W.N.S. began and Kathy told me that 2009 has been the best year for eight years. 19 summer playschemes have been run at 15 different venues with 284 children taking part – a total of 755 days of fun! Activities offered include cricket and football, drama, dance, trampolining, stream dipping, den and raft building, arts, crafts and music. These invaluable sessions are greatly appreciated and highly subsidised thanks again to Lottery funding via West Somerset Council.
Even practical resources are provided. The Scrapstore is an innovative, environmental idea whereby C.L.O.W.N.S. works in partnership with local businesses to recycle any unwanted clean and safe materials which can then be used by local community groups and individuals. Materials include offcuts of quality cardboard, ends of rolls of materials, string, wool, picture mounts and small picture frames which can all be used for collages, modelling, prop-making, design and technology projects and arts and crafts. Groups and individuals working with children, young people and adults locally can access this facility by paying an annual membership of £5 and then £3 for a large bucket of scrap or £1.50 for a small one. Paint, glue, sequins, feathers, glitter, pompoms, magnets and a wide selection of brushes can also be bought at reasonable prices. There are also Resource Boxes to aid early learning with themes such as music, science, water and food and these are available to hire on a monthly basis for £5 with a £5 deposit. Story Sacks can be hired for £1.50 each to enrich storytime and encourage interaction. Messy Play sessions are run for parents, carers and children to aid free expression and instil a fun element as well as to help children build concentration, develop co-ordination and learn to think for themselves.
I left Kathy and Jan armed with relevant literature and a feeling of admiration for the amazing energy, enthusiasm and commitment which springs out of C.L.O.W.N.S. and its support of families where they live. But all this work comes at a price as well. Each year they have to raise £150,000 to cover their costs of 11 part-time staff, four vehicles, rent of premises, etc. Last year an extra £140,000 was needed to re-furbish a replacement bus. They are so grateful to everyone who raises funds for them and especially mentioned Nettlecombe Christmas Fair. They are also quick to praise and thank individuals, organisations and local councils for their support and list those who work in partnership with them in their Social Accounts Book. “Please list our staff” was their final request so, on behalf of us all, a big thank you to Kathy Morton, Jennie Rawle, Christine Gibson, Jo Luty, Jo Lewis, Mel Atkins, Alison Foreshaw, Henri Husebo, Annie Makepeace, Davina Jones-Bartlet and Jackie Barnes along with the volunteers and the Management Committee chaired by Jan Ross. You are doing wonderful work with families in West Somerset, and we all know now that C.L.O.W.N.S. is not just a playbus!
Tel: 01643 707190. www.clownsproject.ik.com
